Once the preferred marching song of '60s hippies, Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha has returned to its rightful high niche in world literature. This translation by Susan Bernofsky highlights the unblemished clarity of Hesse's tale of spiritual sacrifice and awakening.

02/27/2017
Actor Ansdell guides listeners in his firm and gentle voice through Hesse’s lyrical prose depicting the self-discovery journey of his protagonist, Siddhartha. Ansdell’s pacing and English accent give his reading for the audiobook an air of philosopher’s wisdom. Ansdell is especially good at pauses and inflections that express Siddhartha’s moods of exaltation and utter despair at various points in his life as a young Brahman, an ascetic, a lover, businessman, and then as a father and elderly recluse who sits by the river and finally experiences the peace and tranquility he has always sought. Published in German in 1922 and in English in 1951, the revival of Hesse’s novel in this era of widespread interest in Eastern religions offers Ansdell a vehicle for his diverse narrative talents. (Sept.)

"The cool and strangely simple story makes a beautiful little book, classic in proportion and style; it should be read slowly and with savor, preferably during the lonely hours of the night."

"One could even hope that Hesse’s readers are hungrily imbibing Siddhartha, and that they will be so wisely foolish as to live by it."

"In Siddhartha the setting is Indian and we encounter the Buddha, but the author’s ethos is still closer to Goethe."

"Hermann Hesse is the greatest writer of the century."

"A writer of genius." —Times


"A subtle distillation of wisdom, stylistic grace and symmetry of form" —Sunday Times

09/13/2024

Gr 10 Up—This work has been in continuous publication for over a century because of its universally recognized themes of spirituality, personal growth, and self-exploration. Readers follow the life of Siddhartha and the small cast of characters with whom he interacts. Leaving the upper caste Indian society in which he was raised, Siddartha and his friend Govinda are in pursuit of a deeper understanding of life. The text follows Siddartha in his life-long spiritual journey and through the trials, teachings, and people that lead him to peace and wisdom. Set in India and focused on the religious beliefs and teachings of Buddhism, this is a strong novel for multicultural literature studies and for discussions of students' own personal growth. Not only is Hesse's writing style unique, but the themes and issues of this work are needed in high school classrooms; it's an essential book for any reading list. The experiences of the characters differ from most American students' lives. It is not necessary for students to have a sophisticated understanding of India, Buddhism, or other religious doctrine; instead, students need only to pay attention to the themes that ring clear. While the novel is relatively short, and Hesse's language simple and colorful, often with the flavor of legend or myth, some of the key concepts (e.g., individuality, spiritual enlightenment, meaning in life) will appeal to more mature readers. VERDICT A compelling adventure story and an insightful, practical exploration of ancient Indian philosophy, recommended for older teens.—Bob Hassett & NCTE Database

Herman Hesse's novel chronicles one man's search for enlightenment in the age of the historical Buddha. The novel's action is as internal as it is external, and we're drawn, no doubt by the echo of our own longing, into Siddhartha's restlessness and his determined pursuit of a spiritual path. The narrator, English-born James Langton, offers a measured, unhurried reading that's an effective rendering of the spare, lyrical prose Hesse crafted for this quiet novel. One quirk dimmed the experience for this listener: Langton gives an atypical twist to the protagonist's name, trilling what sounds like an extra "r" in the final syllable. It may have been a reach for authenticity, but it comes across as an affectation and clouds the transparency of the reading. M.G. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine